Recommendation Status: In Progress
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Recommendation: Launch public education campaigns to raise awareness about food assistance programs and food insecurity issues, addressing stigma while providing resources for navigating applications. Ensure cohesive and effective communication, including language access and translation services, through continued funding for a Food Access Coordinator position within the NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) to unify messaging and outreach across separately managed food assistance programs. Support local food access coalitions to customize and implement campaigns and leverage trusted local relationships for awareness and application assistance.
Current work happening on this recommendation:
The NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) is working with the Intra-Inter Agency Food Security work group consisting of staff from the NH DHHS, the NH Department of Education, and the NH Department of Administrative Services to distribute a new food and nutrition programs referral tool. The work group meet quarterly to share updates and find opportunities to better collaborate across the departments and with partner agencies. NH DHHS is also working on a social media toolkit to cross-promote programs and update the NH DHHS website with information. The referral tool will be distributed through partners and the newsletter January 2026; the rest of the work is ongoing.
How can you learn more and get involved? NH DHHS disseminates information through the quarterly For the Love of Food Newsletter, at NH Food Access Coalition meetings, and through presentations. Anyone can subscribe to the newsletter here or stay updated by visiting this webpage.
Craving context? This recommendation is included in the Nutrition Access & Security brief, part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan.
Read the Nutrition Access & Security brief here
